TWO lads found themselves before the magistrates a century ago for stealing a pair of carrots worth two pennies - which had been under a police guard.

Fresh food was scarce by 1917 as German U-boats took their toll on allied merchant shipping as it attempted to bring vital supplies in from places like Australia, New Zealand and the united states.

People had been encouraged to grow their own food and Millom was among many communities to set up allotments on waste ground.

The carrots pinched by the 15-year-olds, who were brought before Millom Children's Court, had been grown at what was called Devonshire Road Gardens.

This is likely to be the plot now built over for houses, flats and the old people's home at Jubilee Court.

Frederick Bennett, aged 71, had a plot at Devonshire Road on July 23 in 1917 he had two carrots taken - valued at two pennies.

A report in the Barrow News on Saturday, August 11 in 1917 noted: "He examined the garden but nothing had been taken to his knowledge and he could not say if the garden was disturbed in nay way.

"He added that the bos came to him and apologised and he did not wish to press the case at all."

He was told by Police Supt Hogg: "That may be, but we are here to protect you from these practices."

The paper noted: "PC Wilkinson said he saw the boys go into the gardens.

"They got over the fence and got two carrots.

"The superintendent said the case had been brought not with the view of getting a conviction but as a warning.

"The policeman was on duty at the gardens to detect this sort of practice.

"People had been encouraged to have garden plots and they must be protected.

"He thought that by bringing these boys to court it would be a warning to others."

The case was dismissed but each boy had to pay five shillings in court costs.